For Ryan Person, DMA, joining Stetson’s School of Music is more than a new professional opportunity. The school recently announced the appointment of Person as Director of Choral Activities, beginning in Fall 2026.

Person succeeds Stetson’s beloved and longtime choral director and former School of Music Dean Timothy Peter, DMA. Peter first recruited Person to attend Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, when Person was 18 years old and Peter was a professor of music and head of the music department there. Peter later became one of his primary mentors.

More than 20 years later, Person will now continue the choral tradition that Peter helped shape at Stetson.

“Stetson possesses a vibrant musical community and exceptional tradition of artistic excellence, and I look forward to continuing to serve its outstanding musicians well into the future,” said Person (pronounced Pearson). “To follow Timothy Peter is a very special honor. Stetson’s legacy is strong, and I look forward to building upon the significant contributions of all of the university’s choral greats.”

Person served at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa, as director of choral activities and associate professor of music. He brings extensive experience as a conductor, educator and mentor, along with a deep commitment to building community through choral music.

Person said one of his first priorities will be to listen and learn. As he steps into the role, he plans to spend time with students, faculty, alumni and community members to better understand the stories, traditions and relationships that have shaped Stetson’s choral program.

“My hope is that every current and future Stetson musician will continue to experience the genuine sense of community and family that has persisted for many years,” Person said. “While artistic excellence will remain central to Stetson’s choral mission, I hope to achieve this through kindness and friendship with others. This has been essential to Dr. Peter’s work, and I look forward to continuing this special purpose.”

Peter is retiring after 14 years of service to Stetson. During his tenure, he led the Stetson Concert Choir, mentored generations of student musicians and helped strengthen the School of Music’s reputation for choral excellence, meaningful performance and community connection.

Washington Garcia, DMA, dean of the School of Music, said Person’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Stetson’s choral program while honoring the strong foundation built over many years. “Dr. Person brings to Stetson an exceptional combination of experience, leadership and vision,” Garcia said. “He understands the significance of the choral program’s history and the legacy of Timothy Peter, while also bringing his own perspective, energy and commitment to student success, collaboration and community engagement. We are delighted to welcome him to the School of Music and look forward to the future of Stetson’s choral program under his leadership.”

Person said he is eager to begin building relationships across campus and throughout DeLand and Central Florida.

“I believe that one-on-one interaction and collaboration is critical to the success of any successful organization,” Person said. “I look forward to meeting and welcoming the university’s many alumni musicians back to campus to experience this new chapter of Stetson singing. I hope students, alumni and community members will not hesitate to reach out, introduce themselves and share their stories. The sooner we are able to make these important connections, the better positioned we will be to continue moving the program forward with trust, confidence and excitement.”

Person earned a doctor of musical arts degree in choral conducting from Texas Tech University, a master of music degree in choral conducting from Michigan State University and a bachelor of arts degree from Luther College.

-Stetson Today